Roof truss jig



C. JUNK ROOF TRUSS JIG July 25, 1967 5 Sheets$heet Filed June 12, 1964 INVENTOR. Junk Carl ATTORNEYS July 25, 1967 c. JUNK 3,332,679

ROOF TRUSS JIG Filed June 12, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR.

Carl Junk v ATTORNEYS C. JUNK ROOF TRUSS JIG July 25, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 12, 1964 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS C. JUNK ROOF TRUSS JIG July 25, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 12, 1964 INVENTOR. Carl Junk ATTORNEYS July 25, 1967 c. JUNK 3,332,679

ROOF TRUSS JIG Filed June 12. 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet F.

INVENTOR- Car-I Junk ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,332,679 ROOF TRUSS JIG Carl Junk, Colorado Springs, Colo., assignor to J. D. Adams Co., Colorado Springs, (1010., a corporation of Colorado Filed June 12, 1964, Ser. No. 374,720 4 Claims. (Cl. 26958) This invention relates to improvements in jigs and more particularly to adjustable jigs for holding the structural members of preformed roof trusses during construction of the same.

A common method of constructing buildings such as residences, small apartment buildings, small commercial buildings and the like is to utilize preformed roof tresses which are placed on bearing walls and to which the roof and the ceiling of the building is attached. Such preformed trusses are generally made of relatively small dimension lumber, usually all 2 x 4s and 2 x 6s. The individual structural members are secured together by means of metal gusset plates, and all of the structural members must be generally of the same thickness. The size of the truss is determined by the width of the bearing walls which they span, the predetermined pitch of the finished roof, and the overhang, if any, which extends beyond the bearing wall to the outside of the building.

The number of different designs of roof trusses commonly used in the various types of building include, among others, the W-frame, the king post, Fink, Howe, etc. By using such preformed roof trusses, the construction generally proceeds much faster and more uniform trusses for strength result.

The present invention provides a jig which is adjustable to the known common sizes of preformed trusses and is also adjustable to the different designs of trusses used. The device provides a fast and simple means for adjusting the holding mechanisms to the positions of various structural members and securely holding such members in proper position for attaching gusset plates. A central control station operates all of the holding members, and it includes means for providing the control for turning the truss over so that the opposite side of each joint may have gusset plates applied thereto. When rigged for a particular size and type of truss, precut structural members may be quickly positioned in the jig and then accurately and securely locked into position. The metal gusset plates are then applied to the joints between the structural members on the first side, and the jig table is then turned over. Gusset plates are applied to the joints on the other side of the turned truss. After the gusset plates are applied to both sides the truss is released for further processing and the table turned back for receiving the next series of structural members.

In general, the jig of the invention includes an elongated tubular member which is arranged to be rotated about 180, and a plurality of laterals adjustably mounted on the member and extending normally thereto. These laterals provide support for the holding means for the truss members. Air cylinder operated cam locks are provided as holding means for the structural members for quick lock and quick release using a single control. The lock supporting mechanisms are adjustable along the main tube member of the jig, and the lock mechanisms are adjustable along the lateral members.

It is among the objects and advantages of the present invention to provide a jig to assemble precut roof trusses.

A further object of the invention is to provide a jig having a power operated reversing table and power locking means for the structural members of a precut truss.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable jig for the production of precut roof trusses.

A further object of the invention is to provide a series of power clamps adjustably held for holding the truss structural members in truss-forming position.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a jig for precut roof trusses having a central control station for operating clamping and unclamping means and for turning the truss over for securing truss holding members to both sides of structural members.

Another object of the invention is to provide a jig for precut roof trusses which provides for adjustment to a plurality of sizes and designs of precut roof trusses.

A still further object of the invention is to provide power cylinder actuated clamp members adjustably mounted on the jig for clamping structural elements of the truss in position on a jig.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention may be readily ascertained by referring to the following description and appended illustrations in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a major portion of the jig illustrating the clamping mechanisms holding structural members of a W-design truss in position ready for application of metal gussets to the joints thereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the jig according to the invention showing the relation of the major components of the jig assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clamp assembly for the peak of a truss;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clamp assembly for side and angle members of a truss;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective of a mechanism for turning the jig or from loading position to unload position;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective of a locking mechanism for holding one of the lateral members on the main tube of the jig; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective of a jig according to the invention, showing the positioning of air lines for the clamping mechanisms.

In the embodiment selected for illustration shown in FIG. 2, a central housing 10 has pivotally secured thereto an elongated member or tube 11, which is also called the main tube, pivotally supported at ends 12 and 13. Bearing sets 14 and 15 on the housing support the mid sections of the tube. The bearing set 12 is supported in an end support framework or brace means 16, and the bearing set 13 at the opposite end is supported in a sim ilar framework 17. A rectangular tube support 20 for pitch control clamp assembly is secured by means of clamp mechanisms on base 21 to the main tube 11 between the bearing sets 14 and 15. Side clamping support member or single rod extension member 25 is similarly mounted by means of a clamp arrangement on its base or leg 26, shown in detail in FIG. 6, to the main tube 11 at one side and a similar support 27 is mounted by means of the clamps on the base 28 to the main tube on the opposite side of the housing. Supports 30 and 31 for truss heel clamps are similarly adjustably secured to the main tube between the supports 25 and 27 and the ends of the main tube 11.

A lower chord joint clamp support or peripheral frame 33 is adjustably mounted by means of clamps attached to its base 34 to the main tube 11. Truss diagonal sup ports 35 and 36 are adjustably attached by means of clamps to the main tube 11 between the lateral supports 25 and 27 and the housing.

Each of the clamping support members is adjustably secured to the main tube 11. In one preferred form they are secured to the main tube by means of a take-up and clamping chain, described below, for clamping them securely in position. Other types of clamps may obviously be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The pitch control clamp mechanism 40 is shown in detail in FIG. 3, and the clamping mechanism shown therein is the same type of mechanism used for the other clamps. In this case, a plate or peripheral clamp support frame 41 having a central opening 42 is provided with a pair of chain clamp mechanisms suspended below one side of the plate. Only one chain clamp is shown fully, but it is understood that the other chain clamp consists of equivalent elements. This includes a chain 44 which is attached at one end 45 to the underneath side of the plate and to a threaded pin 46 at the other end. The pin removably passes through an opening through downwardly extending plate 47. A threaded knob 48 is threadedly mounted on the threaded pin 46 and on the side opposite the chain and is arranged to pull up the chain when it is around the bar. For this pitch control clamp, the chain 4-4 goes around one of the lateral bar members of the support 20. The other chain clamp is for the other lateral bar member, and a chain (not shown) which is threadedly attached to its pin is pulled tight by the threaded knob 51?.

As will be pointed out below, various lateral members may be substituted for the ones shown. The means for supporting the truss clamps on the laterals on the main tube is preferably arranged for quick attachment and detachment on the mechanism. With the chain, the threaded knob is easily detached from the pin and the chain placed around a support or Withdrawn from it. The threaded knob is readily reattached to the pin and the chain pulled down tight to clamp the member in place. Thus, the chain provides a simple and fast method of securing the members in place. Since substantial pressure is placed on the main tube and by virtue of the air clamps on various plates, the means for holding the device on the supports must be adequate to resist the pressure exerted.

A plurality of holes 52 are provided at one side of the plate 41 and a similar plurality of holes 53 are provided at the opposite side of the plate for accommodating truss member positioning pins 55 and 54, respectively. These pins provide means for changing to the desired pitch and a stop for the upper chord members of the truss during the application of pressure to clamp it in position on the jig. The clamping means are similar and an explanation of one provides description of the other. The clamp includes an eccentrically mounted disc 58 pivotally mounted on pin 59 which is threadedly mounted in arm 65, threadedly mounted to plate 41.

A cylinder 60 is attached through its piston by means of a yoke 61 to a boss 62 secured to the disc 58. The cylinder 60 and its control valve 63 are mounted on a bracket 65 and supplied with air under pressure from a conduit 68. The frame 65 is pivoted on a cap screw 67 at one corner and is secured in its angular position by means of the cap screw 59 passing through the disc 58 into one of a series of threaded holes 69 which are arranged across the plate. This provides means for changing the angle at which the clamp resides on the plate and thus provides means for changing from truss design to truss design. A similar clamp assembly 70 is provided on the opposite side of the plate. To hold the chord members so they do not buckle upwardly, guide plates 58a are provided on the disc 58.

The plate 41 supporting the cams for holding the peak members in the truss is provided with the opening 42 so that when the truss is flopped over the peak joint is exposed and a metal gusset plate can be attached to the joint. The placement of the clamps on the plate is such that the peak joint is exposed for attachment of the plates on either side. The pins 55 and 54 provide a stop against which the upper truss chords are held when the clamps are actuated so as to securely hold the truss member in place. For certain types of trusses additional pins 72 and 73 provided at the base of the plate are arranged 4 to move into one of the plurality of holes 74 or 75 for supporting the internal bracing in the truss.

The middle of side members or upper chords of the truss are held by means of clamps on a rectangular supporting plate or peripheral clamp frame shown in general by numeral and in detail in FIG. 4. The plate is a frame-like member 91 having a large central opening 92. Clamp member 93 and 94 are provided on opposite sides of the frame. Since the clamps are similar, description of one is satisfactory description of the other. The clamp member includes an air cylinder 95 which is attached through its piston rod 96 to a yoke 97 which is pivotally mounted on a boss 98 of a semicircular eccentric 99. The eccentric is secured by pivot pin 100 mounted on bracket 101 which supports the cylinder and the half disc eccentric.

The brackets 101 are attached to the frame 91 and are generally mounted rigidly since the frame 91 is easily adjusted on lateral 25 and lateral 25 is easily adjusted on main tube 11. The clamp for the lateral or bar 25 includes a chain 192 which is secured at one end by pin 103 to the plate and the opposite end has a threaded pin 104 which passes through downwardly extending plate 105. A threaded knob 1G6 provides means for drawing up the chain against the bar 25. A similar chain arrangement is shown on the other side which provides secure support for the plate on the lateral.

Pins and 111 are arranged to be mounted in openings 112 and 113, respectively, in the side members of the plate for a stop against the structural members of the truss during operation of the clamps, providing secure holding. The pins are movable to meet the particular design. An air conduit 115 provides air under pressure for operation of the cylinders 95 for actuating the cams.

The end clamp members 30 and 31 are provided with a single cylinder and eccentric arrangement 120, similar to that of the assembly 70 of FIG. 3, and it also is provided with a chain clamp for securing it to the main tube 11. The lower chord clamp 33 is provided with a pair of cylinders and eccentric clamps 121 and 122 for holding the splice joint of the lower chord tightly in position against a backup plate member 123 which extends above the main tube 11. This arrangement of the pair of clamps is similar to that of the clamp arrangement of FIG. 4.

The difference between the clamps utilizing the half disc and the full disc is the shaping of the eccentric member to provide a different relative movement. The complete disc gives slightly difierent holding action than the half disc and a broader range for holding. The lower chord guides 35 and 36 include an adjustable L-shaped bracket which is arranged to prevent an internal strut of the truss from bowing or moving away from the lower chord during the operation. The L-shaped bracket is not intended to clamp such internal struts in position, but merely to hold them in position.

The clamp support for the single bar members is shown in FIG. 6, where the base '26 is provided with a double chain clamp. One assembly is shown including chain attached by pin 141 at one end to the base 26. The 0; posite end is attached to threaded pin 142. The threaded pin 142 is provided with a threaded knob 144 which is arranged to pull upon the chain and clamp the base 26 against the main tube 11. The bar 25 is welded to base 26 and extends outwardly therefrom. It is supported by means of a brace 145. The other support 27 is structurally similar for mounting on the bar. A similar bar mounting arrangement is provided for the pitch control support 20, the difference being that it has two rectangular tubes extending outwardly from the base instead of one.

Air is supplied to the cylinders of each of the clamps by means of a manifold 151 extending along the main tube 11 and a series of flexible hoses. schematically this arrangement is shown in FIG. 7 where a line from a compressor passes into the housing 10' and into the manifold 151 which extends along the length of the main tube 11. A series of TS are provided along the bar so that the individual clamps may be provided with air through flexible hose. For example, the clamp member 30 is provided with air by a flexible hose 152, and the side clamp arrangement 90 is provided with air by means of hose 153 extending to one clamp and a joining hose 154 to the other clamp. In a similar manner, hose 155 provides air to a cylinder on the pitch control clamp 40 and a connecting hose 156 provides air to the "opposite clamp. The air to each air cylinder is controlled by means of a single solenoid valve for opening and closing an inlet to the manifold. The solenoid is controlled by a switch on a movable remote pedestal 160, FIG. 2, attached by means of a multiple line 161 to the housing. This controls all clamp members so that they all operate at once. The control box 162 is provided with switches 163 and 164 for controlling the air and the timing mechanism of the table, described below.

The table is turned by means of a hydraulic cylinder 170, FIG. 5, which has its piston rod 171 secured to a yoke 172 pivotally mounted on a shaft 173. The shaft 173 is journaled in a bearing set 174 mounted on a plate 175 which is bolted on sprocket wheel 177. The sprocket wheel in turn is mounted on a shaft 178 journaled in bearing set 179 which is mounted on a cantilever I-beam 180 secured to the housing 10. A chain drive 182 around the sprocket wheel 173 drives a small sprocket wheel 183 mounted on a shaft 181 which is attached in the middle of the main tube 11. The shaft is journaled in the bearing set 14. A square tube cover 11 provides means for attaching the laterals and it is discontinuous to provide space for the bearings and sprocket wheels. A tightening idler sprocket 184 is mounted on a shaft 185 which is arranged to be moved toward and away from the chain 182, by means not shown, for tightening or loosening the chain as may be desired.

For actual operation of the jig, two sets of chains and sprocket wheels similar to 177 and 183 at opposite sides of the housing provide suficient power for turning the jig with a truss clamp thereon. The pitch diameter of the sprocket Wheel 177 is arranged on a ratio with that of the sprocket wheel 183 so that a relatively small movement of the piston 171 rotates the sprocket wheel 177 through a small are but the chain turns the sprocket wheel 183 a full 180 to turn the jig completely over so that the truss is reversed.

Where large trusses are to be made, noting that the extra large trusses are infrequently made, additions or extensions may be added to both ends of the main tube 11. By providing the side clamp supports 25 and 27 with longer bars and by providing longer bars on the middle support 20, the jig is quickly rigged for larger trusses. By providing the clamps which are easily removed, all extension members are quickly and easily replaced on the main tube.

The remote control member 160 is provided with an electric switch 163 for controlling all solenoids on each of the air cylinders and a switch 164 for controlling the pivotal movement of the jig. Both switches are in a housing 162 and connected by the line 161 to the main housing 10. The hydraulic power for the turning cylinder may be incorporated in the housing or may be a remote motor and pump for supplying the hydraulic pressure for turning the jig. It is preferable to use air clamps since they are positive and may be adjusted to positive pressure for clamping the wooden members into the jig.

A typical use of the jig is shown in FIG. 1, where the truss members are held in position for the application of metal gusset plates. In this case, the upper chords 200 and 201 are mounted with their lower ends positioned against the outside end of the lower chord members 202 and 203. The outer ends are cut at an angle so as to form the edge of the roof. The clamps 30 and 31 clamp the upper members against the lower chord. At the joint between the lower members 202 and 203, the clamp 33 holds the chord members together against backing plate 123 for application of a metal gusset. Inside strut members of the W-truss 204 and 205 extend from the peak to about midway of the lower chord. The short strut braces 206 and 207 extend from the joint between the members 204 and 205 in the lower chord upwardly to join the upper chords. The outermost laterals 206 and 207 are held in position by means of the lower chord web pads 35 and 36 which hold the struts in position against the lower chord when the clamp is applied to the top of the upper chords. It is noted that these clamps act almost directly against the outside edge of the upper chord in line with the struts.

When all the truss members are placed, the switch is thrown and all the clamps act simultaneously to clamp the members in position. The metal gusset plates, as for example, the one shown in dashed lines at 210 at the right heel joint, are nailed in position. The metal gusset plates are then placed at each joint between the various truss members. A single large plate is provided for the peak joint. When the gussets have been secured to the one side of the truss, the time switch is thrown and the truss turns over so as to expose the joints on the other side Where additional gussets are then nailed into position. In one very effective system, a conveyor belt system is positioned on the side opposite the housing 10 so that on turning the truss and after attaching the gussets, the release of the clamps drops the truss directly onto a conveyor which carries it to a press for pressing the gussets and nails into place.

As the size and the design of the truss is changed, the clamping members may be moved to fit the new design and the clamping member supports may be moved along the main tube 11 where necessary to fit the new design. Since the structural members for the truss made by this system must be precut, the adjustment of the various clamping members and the support members is easily per formed after placing the precut truss members in their respective positions of the finished truss. Thus, the clamp members can be moved to the spots necessary for supporting the truss members regardless of its design or its size. The central housing 10 is small enough to be transported on a small truck and by making the main tube detachable at various points, the whole jig can be disassembled so that it may be easily carried on a small truck.

While the invention has been illustrated with reference to a specific embodiment, there is no intent to limit the spirit and the scope of the invention to the precise details so set forth except as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A jig for holding precut truss structural members in position during manufacture of preformed trusses, which which includes turning a partly prepared truss over for application of gussets plates at each of the joints of the truss comprising, a narrow, upright central housing; an elongated, rectangular bar member rotatably mounted adjacent an upper corner of said housing and including an extending portion directed outwardly on opposite sides of said housing; brace means rotatably supporting each of the outer ends of said extending portions; a pair of central, elongated tube support members extending laterally from said bar member and arranged to rotate therewith; a peripheral clamp support frame adjustably mounted on said elongated tube support member exposing both sides of a joint between structural members held thereon; a pair of eccentric clamps mounted on said clamp frame for clamping together both sides of the peak joint of a truss; a pair of single rod extension members adjustably mounted on said bar on either side of said central housing and extending in the same direction as said central extension and rotatable with said bar; a peripheral clamp frame adjustably mounted on each said single bar extension means exposing both sides of a joint between structural members held thereon; at least one eccentric clamp mounted on said clamp frame on said single bar extension means; a clamp member adjustably mounted adjacent each end of said elongated bar member for holding the heel joint of a truss to be manufactured and exposing both sides of the joint; lower truss member joint clamp means including a peripheral frame adjustably mounted on said elongated bar member for holding the joint of the lower chord of said truss and arranged to expose both sides of a joint of the truss members; all of said adjustable clamp means mounted on said bar member cooperatively forming a base for supporting the lower chord of the held truss closely adjacent said elongated bar member; means for actuating all of said clamps for essentially simultaneous operation thereof for clamping a truss to be manufactured in position on said jig; and means for rotating said elongated member for turning said jig from one horizontal position to the opposed horizontal position for the attachment of joint plates at the joints of said truss.

2. A jig according to claim 1 wherein the adjustable mounting of said adjustable clamp means on said rectangular bar includes an angle frame arranged to seat on two adjacent sides of said rectangular bar member, and a flexible member connected to the two legs of said angle frame for drawing said angle frame into tight engagement with said rectangular bar.

3. A jig according to claim 2 wherein said flexible member is a chain secured at one end to one side of said angle frame and the other end is secured to a threaded stud, and not means arranged to draw up on said stud and chain to tighten said frame on said rectangular rod.

4. A jig according to claim 1 wherein the means for rotating said jig includes a sprocket mounted on said rectangular bar member, a motor-driven sprocket in said housing, and a chain passing over each said sprocket in driving relation, said chain extending a substantial portion around said sprocket mounted on said rectangular bar member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 990,517 4/1911 Blodgett 269231 2,209,379 7/ 1940 Bell. 3,068,484 12/1962 Moehlenpah et al. 3,143,803 8/1964 Lunn 3222 3,238,867 3/1966 Jureit ct 211. 3,243,177 3/1966 Christman et al.

ROBERT C. RIORDON, Primary Examiner.

J. F. MCKEOWN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A JIG FOR HOLDING PRECUT TRUSS STRUCTURAL MEMBERS IN POSITION DURING MANUFACTURE OF PREFORMED TRUSSES, WHICH WHICH INCLUDES TURNING A PARTLY PREPARED TRUSS OVER FOR APPLICATION OF GUSSETS PLATES AT EACH OF THE JOINTS OF THE TRUSS COMPRISING, A NARROW, UPRIGHT CENTRAL HOUSING; AN ELONGATED, RECTANGULAR BAR MEMBER ROTATABLY MOUNTED ADJACENT AN UPPER CORNER OF SAID HOUSING AND INCLUDING AN EXTENDING PORTION DIRECTED OUTWARDLY ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID HOUSING; BRACE MEANS ROTATABLY SUPPORTING EACH OF THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID EXTENDING PORTIONS; A PAIR OF CENTRAL, ELONGATED TUBE SUPPORT MEMBERS EXTENDING LATERALLY FROM SAID BAR MEMBER AND ARRANGED TO ROTATE THEREWITH; A PERIPHERAL CLAMP SUPPORT FRAME ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID ELONGATED TUBE SUPPORT MEMBER EXPOSING BOTH SIDES OF A JOINT BETWEEN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS HELD THEREON; A PAIR OF ECCENTRIC CLAMPS MOUNTED ON SAID CLAMP FRAME FOR CLAMPING TOGETHER BOTH SIDES OF THE PEAK JOINT OF A TRUSS; A PAIR OF SINGLE ROD EXTENSION MEMBERS ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID BAR ON EITHER SIDE OF SAID CENTRAL HOUSING AND EXTENDING IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS SAID CENTRAL EXTENSION AND ROTATABLE WITH SAID BAR; A PERIPHERAL CLAMP FRAME ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON EACH SAID SINGLE BAR EXTENSION MEANS EXPOSING BOTH SIDES OF A JOINT BETWEEN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS HELD THEREON; AT LEAST ONE ECCENTRIC CLAMP MOUNTED ON SAID CLAMP FRAME ON SAID SINGLE BAR EXTENSION MEANS; A CLAMP MEMBER ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ADJACENT EACH END OF SAID ELONGATED BAR MEMBER FOR HOLDING THE HEEL JOINT OF A TRUSS TO BE MANUFACTURED AND EXPOSING BOTH SIDES OF THE JOINT; LOWER TRUSS MEMBER JOINT CLAMP 